Meet the Maker: Rose from The Roxbox

At Big Hug Box we're a community.

We're interested in the people receiving the boxes, the friends and family gifting them and the team behind the scenes making it come to life. The goal of "Meet the Maker" is to introduce to you the people behind the brands we use in our boxes and to encourage an interest in and understanding of the care and passion that goes into every part of the boxes we send out.

When I was diagnosed with cancer and commenced treatment I was given many different types of charms to help me through treatment. My mother is particularly fond gemstones and their meanings and so I would receive gemstones from her based on the different stages of treatment I was at.

In each of our Big Hug Boxes you will find a Smoky Quartz, chosen for its grounding properties to help cope with the uncertainty and stress that a cancer diagnosis may bring. Each stone has beautiful inclusions and is a perfect size to tuck into a patients box or hospital bag.

The meaning that the stone holds is very unique to each patient, we hope that by receiving this stone that it provides strength and comfort through treatment.

Thank you Rose to your generous contribution of your beautiful stones in each Big Hug Box. 

We are pleased to introduce Rose from The Roxbox.

How did you get started with your business?
I like helping people and I’ve found this can be done in numerous ways. For me it was providing crystals and minerals that others were looking for. My parents own a crystal shop and mineral museum in Coonabarabran so I had a little background knowledge in this field.

Three words to describe your product?

Unearthed treasures (sorry I only had two)

How did you get involved with The Big Hug Box?
Lisa asked if I was able to supply crystals and I jumped at the chance as I’ve had some friends battle cancer and I would like to support those affected by cancer and ultimately find a cure.

Has cancer affected your life?
Yes, as mentioned, a few friends and their families have had to deal with it and the trauma and grief it leaves in its wake. I write this having just come from a friend’s funeral…she was only 49. There just doesn’t seem to be any words I can (politely) say about cancers’ senseless and indiscriminatory trail of devastation. Her husband just asked to be hugged by everyone who came up to him. I think he wanted the connection that only a hug could provide, to sidestep the words that were meant for comfort but came out as platitudes and didn’t comfort or help at all in his time of grief. He wanted the comfort that only a hug can give. Sometimes a hug says all that needs to be said. Witnessing this just solidified my support for The Big Hug Box and the comfort and love that it brings to those who need it the most.

What is your favourite small business?
Vita café and restaurant in Wangi. They make the absolute best pastries. A hug to the taste buds.

What song lifts you when you've had a tough day?
At the moment I don’t have a favourite song, but in the past it has been an eclectic mix – Meatloaf to Regina Spektor to Casting Crowns to Amici Forever….

Any tips for your product?
Crystals come in all different shapes and sizes and are used in different ways, but if used for healing purposes I suggest regular recharging. Some ways of doing this is by either placing them in the sun, under a full moon or outside in a storm. But otherwise just enjoy their beauty.

Who gives the best hugs in your life?
I’d have to say my husband, but I do have a nice big cardigan that feels like a teddy bear that I wrap myself in when he’s not around and I need a hug.

It was so extremely heartbreaking to hear that Rose had recently just lost a friend to cancer, 49 is simply too young to lose someone you love to cancer. 

We Thank you again Rose for your support, it is always a pleasure picking up your beautiful stones and having a chat.